Councils across New South Wales will be given stronger powers to close unlawful premises hosting hate preachers, including the ability to disconnect utilities where operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices.
The Minns Labor Government says the changes are designed to deal with places of public worship operating without approval and continuing to function despite formal orders to stop. Under the new measures, councils will be able to issue a notice to halt unlawful use and, if that direction is defied, move to have essential services cut off.
The reforms are aimed at premises that promote hatred, intimidation or division while operating outside the law. The government says the powers will apply consistently across NSW, ensuring councils are not left without options when existing enforcement steps are ignored.
NSW Police and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will support councils in enforcing the laws, with councils also required to consult police on community safety issues before approving new places of public worship. Penalties for non-compliance will be strengthened so that shutdown notices carry immediate consequences.
Premier Chris Minns said the measures draw a clear line between lawful religious practice and activity that threatens community safety.
“There is no place in NSW for hate, intimidation or extremism masquerading as community activity. These reforms give councils real powers to act when premises are operating unlawfully and spreading division,” he said.
“If operators ignore the law and refuse to shut down, councils will be able to cut off utilities and close them for good.”
Minns said the changes were intended to protect social cohesion and reflect shared values.
“This is about protecting social cohesion, keeping communities safe and upholding the values that unite us as Australians,” he said.
Acting Minister for Planning and Public Space Yasmin Catley said planning laws were being misused by some operators to shield unlawful behaviour.
“Planning laws exist to build communities, not to provide cover for unlawful activity. When a place of worship or any other premises is operating without approval and ignores a cease-use notice, councils must have effective enforcement tools,” she said.
“Giving councils the ability to seek the disconnection of utilities ensures planning decisions are respected and unlawful ‘factories of hate’ cannot continue to operate.”
The government said the reforms would work alongside Commonwealth efforts to crack down on hate preachers. It also pointed to earlier legislative changes, including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places, as part of a broader approach to protecting people attending places of worship.
While reaffirming freedom of religion as a fundamental right in NSW, the government said that freedom does not extend to unlawful operation or conduct that puts the community at risk.
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